Cave Spring, VA
- About the City
- Geography
- Climate and Weather
- Landmarks
- Transport
- Sport and Sporting Legends
- Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions
- Museums
- Medical Institutions and Healthcare
- Universities and Educational Institutions
Cave Spring is an affluent suburb of Roanoke, Virginia, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It offers a mix of historic sites and access to abundant outdoor recreation.
About the City
Official Status and Administrative Affiliation
Cave Spring is a census-designated place (CDP) located in Roanoke County, Virginia, United States . It is an unincorporated community, meaning it does not have its own municipal government. However, it is a significant and populous part of Roanoke County, which is part of the Roanoke metropolitan area . Interestingly, while the independent city of Salem is the official county seat, Roanoke County's administrative offices are located in Cave Spring .
The region is known locally as "Southwest County" and is characterized as the most affluent suburban area of Roanoke .
Historical Names and Nicknames
- Historic Names: The area's history is tied to its natural features. The name "Cave Spring" itself is derived from a local spring, and the historic Cave Spring Historic District is a designated National Historic Landmark . The spring has been a local landmark for centuries and was known for its mineral-rich waters .
- Prossessing: While not an official nickname, the area is commonly referred to as "Southwest County" by locals to denote its geographic position within Roanoke County .
Date of Foundation and Age
Cave Spring does not have a formal date of incorporation. Its development as a community began in the 19th century, with the Cave Spring Historic District serving as a reminder of its early history. It became a designated CDP for statistical purposes by the U.S. Census Bureau .
Geographic Position and Coordinates
Cave Spring is situated in the valley of Virginia, near the Blue Ridge Mountains, a major mountain range in the eastern United States . Its precise geographic coordinates are 37.2254° N, -80.0072° W . The center of the CDP is at an elevation of approximately 335 meters (1,099 feet) above sea level . It is a classic Piedmont community, transitioning from the mountainous regions to the west and the coastal plains to the east.
City Type and Economic Specialization
Cave Spring is primarily a residential suburb and an administrative hub for Roanoke County. Its economy is closely tied to the nearby city of Roanoke. Many residents commute to Roanoke and other parts of the region for work . The area is characterized by its residential neighborhoods, schools, and local businesses that cater to the community, including restaurants and shops . Due to its location, it also serves as a gateway for tourism and outdoor recreation in the surrounding mountains and national forests .
Population and Demographics
As of the 2020 census, the population of Cave Spring was 26,755 . This places it in the category of a medium-sized community. It is an established and predominantly residential area within the larger Roanoke metropolitan area .
City's "Calling Card" (Briefly)
Cave Spring offers a blend of suburban comfort and proximity to the great outdoors. Its "calling card" is its location as an affluent, family-oriented community on the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains, providing easy access to both the cultural amenities of Roanoke and the hiking, fishing, and scenic beauty of the Appalachian Mountains and the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests .
Geography
Mountains and Mountain Ranges
Cave Spring is situated near the Blue Ridge Mountains, a prominent and scenic mountain range that is part of the larger Appalachian Mountains . The region is known for its rolling hills, forested slopes, and stunning vistas. The mountains are a major draw for outdoor enthusiasts, offering countless trails and panoramic overlooks. The famous Appalachian Trail, a 2,190-mile long-distance hiking trail, passes through the nearby mountains .
Water Bodies (Rivers, Lakes, Waterfalls)
- Roanoke River: This significant river flows through the region near Cave Spring . It provides opportunities for fishing and is a central hydrological feature of the area.
- Nearby Recreation Areas: Several recreation areas managed by the U.S. Forest Service are located within a reasonable drive. These include:
- Cave Mountain Lake Recreation Area: Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, this area features a lake and is a popular destination for generations of families .
- Cascades Day Use Area: One of the most popular outdoor spots in southwest Virginia, it features a 4-mile loop trail leading to Cascade Falls, a dramatic 66-foot waterfall .
- Crabtree Falls Day Use Area: This area features a moderate 2.7-mile trail with scenic views of five major cascades that fall a total of 1,200 feet .
National and Natural Parks
Cave Spring is in close proximity to the expansive George Washington & Jefferson National Forests . This vast tract of public land offers unparalleled opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can spot wildlife such as black bears, bald eagles, and wild turkeys . Within these forests, there are numerous designated recreation areas like those mentioned above (Cave Mountain Lake, Cascades, etc.) that provide managed access to nature .
Climate and Weather
Climate Type and General Characteristics
Cave Spring has a humid subtropical climate (Cfa), characterized by four distinct seasons. The area experiences warm and humid summers, cool to cold winters, and comfortably mild springs and autumns. It is partly cloudy year-round .
Average Monthly Temperatures
The table below summarizes the average high and low temperatures throughout the year :
| Month | Avg. High (°F / °C) | Avg. Low (°F / °C) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 46° / 8° | 30° / -1° |
| February | 49° / 9° | 32° / 0° |
| March | 59° / 15° | 39° / 4° |
| April | 68° / 20° | 47° / 8° |
| May | 76° / 24° | 56° / 13° |
| June | 83° / 28° | 64° / 18° |
| July | 86° / 30° | 68° / 20° |
| August | 84° / 29° | 66° / 19° |
| September | 78° / 26° | 59° / 15° |
| October | 68° / 20° | 48° / 9° |
| November | 58° / 14° | 39° / 4° |
| December | 49° / 9° | 33° / 1° |
The hottest month is July and the coldest is January .
Precipitation and Humidity
Cave Spring receives a significant amount of precipitation throughout the year, with an average of about 1066 mm (42 inches) annually . Rainfall is distributed fairly evenly across the months, though May tends to be the wettest with an average of 3.5 inches .
- Snowfall: The area experiences significant seasonal snowfall, primarily from late November to late March. The snowiest month is February, with an average accumulation of 5.6 inches .
- Humidity: Humidity levels are highest in the summer, averaging around 76% , which contributes to the feeling of warmth during July and August .
Seasonality and Best Time to Visit
- Spring (March-May): Spring is a beautiful time to visit, with gradually warming temperatures and the blooming of trees and wildflowers. Highs range from the upper 50s to mid-70s °F (14-24°C). It can be rainy, so packing a jacket is advisable.
- Summer (June-August): Summer is warm and humid, with average highs in the 80s °F (around 30°C). This is the peak season for outdoor activities like hiking and visiting waterfalls, but afternoon thunderstorms are common.
- Fall (September-October): Widely considered the best time to visit. The weather is comfortably cool and dry, with highs in the 60s and 70s °F (15-25°C). The main attraction is the spectacular fall foliage as the leaves of the Blue Ridge Mountains change color.
- Winter (November-February): Winters are cold, with average highs in the 40s and 50s °F (4-10°C) and lows often below freezing. Snow is common and can create a picturesque landscape. This is a quiet time for tourism, ideal for those seeking solitude.
Based on the tourism score, the best times for warm-weather activities are from early June to early July and from early August to late September .
Landmarks
Cave Spring Historic District
This district is a designated National Historic Landmark and the heart of the area's historical identity . It is home to several historic buildings, including the old mill, the train depot, and the Cave Spring Presbyterian Church. The district is named after the natural spring that has been a gathering place for centuries .
The Namesake Spring
The city's namesake is a natural spring, historically known for its mineral-rich waters high in calcium and magnesium . While the exact public access point may be part of the historic district, the spring itself is the original landmark from which the community grew.
Nearby: Mill Mountain Star
Located just a few miles away in the neighboring city of Roanoke (about 7.6 km from Cave Spring), the Mill Mountain Star is the world's largest man-made star of its kind . It is illuminated at night and serves as a iconic symbol for the Roanoke Valley, visible from miles around.
Nearby: Virginia Museum of Transportation
Also in Roanoke (about 7.8 km away), this museum is a major attraction . It boasts the largest collection of diesel locomotives in the southern United States and features exhibits on automobiles, aviation, and the history of transportation in Virginia. It is famous for being the home of the Norfolk & Western Class J 611 steam locomotive .
Nearby: Natural Bridge
About an hour's drive from Cave Spring is the Natural Bridge, a 215-foot tall limestone arch, a geological wonder that was once owned by Thomas Jefferson and is now part of Natural Bridge State Park .
Transport
Nearest Major Airports
Cave Spring does not have its own commercial airport. The nearest major airport is:
- Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA): Located approximately 10-15 minutes from Cave Spring, this airport offers connections to major hubs like Charlotte, Atlanta, Chicago, and Philadelphia via carriers such as American Airlines, Delta, and United.
- Alternative Airports: For more extensive international flights or potentially lower fares, travelers might consider Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO) in Greensboro, North Carolina (about 1.5-2 hours south) or Richmond International Airport (RIC) (about 3 hours east).
Nearest Major Train Station (Amtrak)
There is no train station in Cave Spring itself. The nearest Amtrak station is in the nearby city of Roanoke . The Roanoke Amtrak Station is served by the Northeast Regional line, which provides daily service to Washington, D.C., New York City, and points in between, as well as west to cities like Lynchburg.
Public Transportation
Public transportation options within Cave Spring are limited, reflecting its suburban, car-dependent nature.
- Valley Metro: The local public transit authority for the Roanoke Valley, Valley Metro, operates several bus routes that serve the Cave Spring area . Key routes like the 71, 72, and 91 provide connections to other parts of Roanoke County and the city of Roanoke .
- Walkability: The area is generally considered car-dependent, with a very low Walk Score, meaning most errands require a car . Approximately 87.6% of residents drive alone to work .
- Ride-Sharing: Services like Uber and Lyft are available in the region and provide an alternative means of getting around .
Major Highways and Roads
Cave Spring's transportation is heavily reliant on its road network.
- Interstate 581 (I-581): This freeway connects the Roanoke Valley directly to Interstate 81 (I-81) , a major north-south interstate highway that runs along the eastern edge of the United States, from Tennessee to the Canadian border in New York.
- U.S. Route 220 (US-220): This major route runs through the area, connecting to I-581 and providing access to points south towards North Carolina.
- State Route 419 (SR 419): Also known as Electric Road, this is a major commercial thoroughfare in the Cave Spring and Roanoke County area, lined with shopping centers, restaurants, and businesses. The Holiday Inn Roanoke - Tanglewood is located on this route .
Sport and Sporting Legends
Cave Spring is home to Cave Spring High School . The school's athletic teams, known as the Knights, have a rich history of success in the Virginia High School League. They have won a total of 16 state championships across various sports, including volleyball, basketball, softball, swimming, gymnastics, and cheerleading .
The high school has also produced several notable athletes who have gone on to achieve fame at the collegiate and professional levels :
- Tiki Barber (class of 1993): Former New York Giants running back and all-time leading rusher for the team.
- Ronde Barber (class of 1993): Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback and Pro Football Hall of Famer.
- J.J. Redick (class of 2002): Sharp-shooting guard who played 15 seasons in the NBA for teams like the Orlando Magic and LA Clippers.
- George Canale (class of 1983): Former first baseman for the Milwaukee Brewers.
- Danny Aiken (class of 2006): Longsnapper who won Super Bowl XLIX with the New England Patriots.
Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions
Cave Spring, located in the Roanoke Valley, offers a diverse dining scene with several popular local restaurants.
Remini's
A beloved local Italian restaurant, Remini's is known for its classic, old-world style Italian-American cuisine . Patrons consistently praise the generous portions and high-quality dishes. The Spinach Artichoke Dip has been described by one reviewer as "the best I ever had," even compared to others across the country . Other standout dishes include the Lasagna for two, which a customer called the "best Italian I've had in a while," and the fresh bread . The menu features a wide array of pasta dishes, including Chicken Parmesan, Fettuccine Alfredo, and Baked Ziti .
Our Daily Bread Bakery & Bistro
This French-inspired bakery and bistro has been serving the Roanoke Valley from its location on Brambleton Avenue since 2014 . Our Daily Bread offers creative, daily-changing menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a weekend brunch . A notable specialty on their menu is the house-made shakshuka, a Mediterranean stew of tomatoes, peppers, and spinach, folded into an omelet with feta and avocado .
Other Notable Restaurants
- Elderberry's: A family-owned, woman-owned business founded in 2001. It specializes in fresh, homemade, and nutritious meals, including lunch items, wraps, smoothies, salads, and soups .
- Inka Grill: A highly-rated restaurant with a 4.7 rating, offering a menu of seafood, meat, chicken, and international dishes, with ceviches being a highlight .
- Cast Plates & Pints and Don Camaron Seafood Restaurant are other popular dining spots in the area .
Museums
While there are no museums within the immediate boundaries of Cave Spring, the nearby city of Roanoke (approximately 7-8 km away) is home to several significant museums .
Virginia Museum of Transportation
Located about 7.8 km from Cave Spring in Roanoke, the Virginia Museum of Transportation is a major attraction founded in 1986 . It is renowned for having the largest collection of diesel locomotives in the southern United States, with over 2,500 items and more than 50 vehicles in its collection. The museum is divided into three main exhibition areas: automobiles, railway, and aviation. A unique feature is the active train track located just outside the museum, offering visitors a live experience of passing trains, including historic locomotives .
Taubman Museum of Art
Another key museum in Roanoke, about 8.3 km from Cave Spring, is the Taubman Museum of Art . It features themed exhibition halls and is noted for its thought-provoking and contemporary art .
Mill Mountain Star and Mill Mountain Park
While not museums, the Mill Mountain Star (7.6 km away) and Mill Mountain Park (7.4 km away) are prominent nearby attractions . The park is also home to the Mill Mountain Zoo .
Medical Institutions and Healthcare
Residents of Cave Spring have access to major medical facilities in the nearby city of Roanoke, which serves as a regional healthcare hub.
Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital
The primary medical center serving the region is Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. While not located within Cave Spring's exact boundaries, it is the flagship hospital of the Carilion Clinic and a major tertiary referral center. It is a teaching hospital affiliated with the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine. Information from a nearby campground listing confirms its proximity, stating it is "25 min to Carilion Roanoke Memorial for travel nurses" from a site about 16 miles away . This indicates it is the major medical institution for the entire Roanoke Valley, including Cave Spring.
Universities and Educational Institutions
Cave Spring is served by Roanoke County Public Schools. The primary educational institution in the area is Cave Spring High School .
Cave Spring High School, established in 1956, is a public secondary school serving grades 9-12 . It is consistently recognized for its academic performance, having been named the #1 public high school in the Roanoke Valley by Roanoker magazine in 2009 . Beyond its athletic achievements and notable alumni in sports, the school has produced distinguished graduates in other fields, including actor Jen Lilley and United States Army Brigadier General Lapthe Flora .
For higher education, residents typically look to nearby cities such as Roanoke and Blacksburg. Cave Spring is within reasonable driving distance of several universities and colleges, including Virginia Tech in Blacksburg.